On Monday, July 23, 2017, the US Equestrian Federation (USEF) Board of Directors approved the recommendation to allocate the designation of an additional United States eventing CCI4* competition in 2019 to Fair Hill International. In January 2017, the Board of Directors narrowed the list of five applicants to two and following that decision spent several months researching, meeting with Organizing Committees and conducting additional site visits.
The USEF CCI4* Task Force worked tirelessly toward making a decision between two very strong applicants, Fair Hill International (Elkton, Md.) and Great Meadow International (The Plains, Va.), which are important fixtures on the eventing calendar in the U.S. The Task Force applauds both Organizing Committees for their cooperation and commitment throughout this process. The recommendation for Fair Hill International will be put forward to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) for consideration this autumn. The date will be approved as part of the 2019 FEI calendar after review by the USEF Calendar Approval process.
The plans for the Fair Hill redevelopment are extensive, and this event will be the premiere feature at a brand new venue. A state-of-the-art multi-use venue is under development in Elkton, Md., featuring eventing, racing and steeplechase racing. This is a unilateral effort between the Fair Hill Foundation, Maryland Horse Industry Board, Maryland Sports Commission and the Cecil County Government.
Additional information regarding the new development plans for Fair Hill International are available at www.fairhill4star.com.
The horses in trainer Joe Davis’ barn at Horseshoe Indianapolis don’t just get standard hay in their nets each day. Throughout the afternoon, Davis or one of his employees opens the HayGain machine that sits at the end of his shed row and pulls out a warm, beautiful-smelling bale of freshly-steamed hay to fill their nets.
Are you following along with the action from home this weekend? Or maybe you're competing at an event and need information fast. Either way, we’ve got you covered! Check out the USEA’s Weekend Quick Links for links to information including the prize list, ride times, live scores, and more for all the events running this weekend.
Last month, readers met VIP Volunteer Rebecca Proetto, who volunteered at the MARS Maryland 5 Star horse inspection. This month, the focus turns to husband and wife Ed and Leanne Barnett who introduced Proetto to the art of running an efficient horse inspection at Maryland. Ed and Leanne undertake a 12-hour drive from their home in Indiana to Maryland just to volunteer at the event.
The USEA is saddened to share the passing of Sara Kozumplik’s five-star partner As You Like It at the age of 34. The gelding died in his sleep at his retirement home at Kozumplik's parents' residence.